How to Install Track Lighting

Track lighting is a nice modern light fixture that can spruce up nearly any room, and it’s not that hard to install. In this post we’ll show you how to install track lighting. You’ll need to start with a basic track lighting kit. There are many alternatives to choose from!

Next, you’ll need to locate an electrical outlet box that isn’t currently in use on the wall or ceiling where you intend to install the track. If there is no such box you are going to have to call in the services of an electrician.

While it’s technically possible to install and wire your own electrical outlet boxes it’s a fairly complicated process. It’s best left in the hands of licensed electricians.

Many people will in fact simply replace their overhead light with the track light fixture, in which case you’ll find the box you need in the ceiling where your overhead light used to be.

Remember to start by cutting the power at the circuit breaker. Use an electrical circuit tester to make absolutely sure that the wires aren’t live.

Of course, there’s no plug in this project, so you’ll need a tester that works by touching the wires directly. A plug-in tester simply isn’t going to help you here.

Next, look for a bracket in your kit. This will attach to your electrical outlet box to help stabilize the track.

You’ll then need to level up the track and mark where the bolt holes go with a pencil. This will allow you to drill holes in the proper places. Consult the kit to find out how big the holes should be.

You can then bolt the track neatly and securely into place.

The kit will also include a wiring block. This provides power to the entire track.

The wiring block just snaps into place in the track. Once you hear the snap you’ll give it a 1/4 turn.

Now you’re ready to install the wires. As in most of these projects the wires are color coded.

Simply connect the black wire to the black wire, the white wire to the white wire, and the green wire to the bare ground wire.

Use wire caps to secure the connections. Then you will tuck the wires back into the box.

There’s going to be a trim that goes over the wiring cap, so screw that into place next. This will cover the outlet box too, and the hole in your drywall.

You’ll assemble your fixtures next. This is generally very easy to do.

The fixtures will snap into place right inside the track. Again, you’ll give them each a 1/4 turn to get them firmly installed.

Aim your fixtures where you wish for maximum effect. Then go restore power to the circuit.

Here’s an example of one such install from Buildipedia. Your install may not go exactly like this since you may be using a different track lighting kit or installing the kit in a different place. Nevertheless the process is basically the same.

As with any electrical project you should consult an electrician if you feel uncomfortable about doing the work for any reason. If you live in Raleigh, Durham, Cary or Chapel Hill give us a call for a free estimate on your track lighting project today!

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